Edward Douglas “Eddie” Stickney, age 73, of Yountville, California, passed away on March 10, 2026.
Born June 22, 1952, in Shelby, Ohio, Eddie was the son of the late Jack Franklin and Ruth (Hollenbaugh) Stickney. He graduated from Shelby Senior High School in 1970.
Eddie’s early years were full of adventure and curiosity. He had a paper route, played Shelby Little League and high school baseball, and after graduation worked as a lifeguard in Jensen Beach, Florida. He later hitchhiked across the country and even learned to fly a prop plane, embracing life with a fearless spirit.
In the early 1970s, Eddie was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was assigned to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at Presidio of Monterey, California. When the deployment of new troops was discontinued, he returned to civilian life and continued exploring the world on his own terms.
Eddie fell in love with Northern California and chose to make it his lifelong home. He worked in a variety of fields before attending Butte Community College, where he studied building inspection. Although multiple sclerosis prevented him from pursuing that career, it never diminished his independent spirit.
For nearly thirty years, Eddie was a resident of the Veterans Home of California, Yountville where he became a familiar and beloved presence. The staff of 1C became like family to him, and he formed many lasting friendships. Eddie was always happy to return to his friends after any time away.
Eddie faced life’s challenges with honesty, humor, and eventually a deep sense of peace. Known for his love of rock and roll, especially the Eagles, he often quoted lyrics like “take it easy” as he signed off from conversations. He had a gift for remembering the most unusual trivia and maintained a sharp wit throughout his life.
Eddie will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his resilience, and the many friendships he formed along the way.
Eddie is survived by his sisters: Marva Jo (Bill) Victor of Montrose, CO and Patti Ann (Tom) Wright of Beaufort, SC; uncle and aunt: Richard and Janet Hollenbaugh; niece and nephew: Cari Gallant and Jeffrey Wright; three great nieces: Deidre Gallant, Alexis Kelnhofer, and Haley Wright; and multiple cousins.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 10-11 am at Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 11 am. Pastor Michael Padula, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church of Shelby, will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or National MS Society, PO Box 88540, Carol Stream, IL 60188.
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com